Audrey E. Davis

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Audrey Ethel (Putzer) Davis. She passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Prairie Place in Ripon, WI.

Audrey was born on June 6, 1931 in Ripon, WI, daughter of Alois and Henrietta (Niemuth) Putzer. She attended Ripon schools and graduated in the class of 1949. She was united in marriage to Thomas E. Davis on October 20, 1951. Together they raised 10 wonderful children. They were devoted lifelong members of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church (formerly St. Patrick Catholic Church).

In her early years, Audrey worked at a candy store in Ripon and later as a secretary at Speed Queen, becoming a homemaker when the family continued to grow. In her later life, Audrey was employed at Triarch and Ripon College. She was a long-term volunteer at Ripon Memorial Hospital as well as Barlow Park Elementary School, where she would read to and help students. We have so many memories of the fun, sometimes chaotic, times and never-ending huge meals she needed to prepare for a family of 12. Even with everything she needed to do daily, she always made each one of us feel special each and every day, especially on our birthdays when she made beautiful homemade birthday cakes. To the end, she could name every one of her 25 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren and remembered everything happening in their lives. Luckily, she was a Facebook and FaceTime user, which allowed her to stay in touch with all of them. She was a huge Packers fan and watched them every time they played and would be upset when they didn’t play well. Audrey was a talented sewer and knitter and made many quilts and Afghans for family and friends over the years. She spent hours in her garden and shared the many vegetables she grew with her family. Audrey was an avid reader her entire life with her family ensuring she always had books on hand.

Audrey is survived by her brother Thomas Putzer, her children, Tom Davis, Jr. (Debbie) of Ripon, WI; Bill (Kathy) Davis of Ripon, WI; Mary (Bob) Jackson of Hutchison, MN; Jane (Skip) Henricks of Oshkosh, WI; Cindy (Mike) Strey of Ripon, WI; Carol (Mike) Ehrenberg of Green Lake, WI; Judy (Mike) Gysbers of Fond du Lac WI; Connie (Matt) Carney of Ft. Atkinson, WI; and Andy (Amy) Davis of Oshkosh, WI; 25 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren; as well as many relatives and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alois and Henrietta Putzer; her husband, Thomas E. Davis, Sr.; daughter, Peggy Yauck; a granddaughter, Nicole Bethke; and a grandson, Ryan Yauck; father-in-law and mother-in-law, William Guy and Lutzie Davis; brothers-in-law, Ray Davis, Bob Davis, and Jim Davis; and sisters-in-law, Eileen Davis, Elaine Davis, Arlene Davis and Lil Putzer.

Thank you to the staff at Prairie Place and Generations Hospice for the care and compassion they gave Audrey.

Visitation for Audrey will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 228 E. Blossom St., Ripon, WI 54971.

Memorial Mass for Audrey will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 27, 2026 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Ripon, with Fr. Chuck Wrobel officiating. You may view a livestream of the Memorial Mass at 11:00 am by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. Inurnment will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Memorials in her name may be directed to the Ripon Public Library, 120 Jefferson St., Ripon, WI 54971 or to the church, 218 E. Blossom St., Ripon, WI 54971.